Item Description: This is an exceptional Bizen ware tokkuri (sake flask) created by Isezaki Koichiro, son of Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun. The piece exemplifies the contemporary evolution of Bizen pottery tradition, reflecting the artist's unique background in sculpture and his training under his distinguished father. The tokkuri displays the characteristic qualities of fine Bizen ware achieved through extended wood-firing without glazes, showcasing natural kiln effects and the earthy beauty of Bizen clay. Isezaki Koichiro brings a distinctive perspective to Bizen pottery, informed by his formal education in sculpture at university and his international training experience. This sculptural sensibility is evident in the refined form and balanced proportions of this tokkuri, which demonstrates both technical mastery and artistic sophistication. The piece exhibits the natural surface variations and organic coloration that define authentic Bizen ware, achieved through careful positioning within the kiln and extended firing periods. The work comes with its original signed wooden tomobako storage box, protective cloth, and artist's note, confirming authenticity and provenance. As a piece by the son of a Living National Treasure who has established his own distinguished career with numerous awards and solo exhibitions, this tokkuri represents an important connection between Bizen's storied past and its contemporary development. Size Height: 17.0 cm Width: 8.5 cm Depth: 8.5 cm Condition Excellent condition with no visible damage or restoration. Artist Profile Isezaki Koichiro was born in 1974 in Bizen City, Inbe, as the eldest son of Isezaki Jun, who was designated as a Living National Treasure for Bizen ware in 2004. Growing up in the heart of Bizen pottery tradition, Isezaki was exposed to ceramic arts from an early age, but his path to becoming a Bizen artist took a distinctive route that enriched his artistic perspective. In 1996, Isezaki graduated from the sculpture department at university, developing a strong foundation in three-dimensional form and contemporary artistic expression. Following graduation, he traveled internationally to study ceramic techniques, spending time training with established ceramic artists abroad from 1998. This international experience exposed him to diverse approaches to clay and firing, broadening his technical repertoire and aesthetic sensibilities. Returning to Japan in 2000, Isezaki began his formal apprenticeship under his father, Isezaki Jun, immersing himself in the traditional techniques and philosophical approach to Bizen pottery that his father had helped to revolutionize. This combination of contemporary sculptural training, international exposure, and traditional Bizen apprenticeship created a unique foundation for Isezaki's artistic development. Isezaki's career has been marked by steady recognition in both traditional craft circles and contemporary art contexts. In 2003, he achieved his first acceptance into the prestigious Tea Ceremony Vessels Exhibition at the Tanabe Art Museum, marking his entry into the highly competitive world of traditional tea utensils. He held a solo exhibition in 2004, and in 2005 received the Broadcasting Award at the Traditional Craft Exhibition of the Chugoku Region, demonstrating his technical excellence. He continued to gain recognition at the Tanabe Art Museum's Tea Ceremony Vessels Exhibition in 2005, and held another solo exhibition in 2014. Isezaki's work bridges the worlds of traditional Bizen pottery and contemporary ceramic sculpture, bringing fresh perspectives to an ancient craft while honoring its fundamental principles and techniques. His pieces reflect both the weight of family legacy and the freedom of individual artistic exploration. NOITICE The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.